JavaScript is almost the opposite of Java, except, of course in its C syntax heritage. JavaScript is a dynamic, weakly typed language. The similarity in names has more to do with Netscape's business and marketing decisions than any similarity between the languages. JavaScript is a functional language with prototypal inheritance. It's been called Scheme in C clothing.

I've learned many languages (including wacky ones like Forth and APL) and I would probably rate JavaScript as my favorite. There are many great learning resources for both Java and JavaScript.

My JavaScript blog has shown up in a few places as a top JavaScript blog: http://dreaminginjavascript.wordpress.com. My target audience? "Script kiddies" trying to understand the language better and experienced programmers who don't know what to make of JavaScript.